Alumna Feature: Dr. Geeta Nayyar

Alumna Feature: Geeta Nayyar, MD, MBA

As a nationally recognized leader in healthcare information technology, a physician executive, public speaker, and author, Dr. Geeta Nayyar loves sharing her unique perspectives that bridge clinical medicine, business, communications, and digital health. She currently serves as General Manager of Healthcare and Life Sciences and Executive Medical Director for Salesforce.

As a specialist in rheumatology, Dr. Nayyar maintains a voluntary appointment with the University of Miami and serves on the University of Miami Medical School Alumni Association Board. She has held several positions in media and with professional societies, including as a medical contributor for CNN and as a member of the Health Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) board of directors.

What is your current area of practice?

Internal Medicine & Rheumatology

Can you tell us about your involvement in DOCS?

I am a regular attending precepting/mentoring medical students and seeing patients.

How has DOCS impacted your professional career?

DOCS has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional career. The energy, enthusiasm, and thirst for knowledge of the medical students, along with their passion for making an impact in our local communities is infectious. During such a historic time in medicine, it has been so inspiring to work alongside such bright and passionate future physicians. I’m so proud to be a UM Alumna. I also serve on the UM medical school alumni board, so when I am able to see fi rst-hand the work we do impacting medical students, it is that much more rewarding to pay it forward for the next generation of physicians.

What role do you feel DOCS plays in medical education?

DOCS is clearly a core part of the medical education that the UM medical students benefit from. It is real world application of the complex pathophysiology that medical students come to higher education for. DOCS is where the books meet real life. It also empowers our medical students to understand social determinants of health and that many forces outside of medicine ultimately affect health outcomes. It teaches them the importance of incorporating this into bedside manner and management recommendations.

What impact has DOCS had on the medically underserved communities of South Florida?

In my experience we provide primary care for so many of the underserved that have nowhere else to go, whether it is questions about getting vaccinated or managing everyday diabetes and hypertension. It’s clear to me that this community needs both a doctor and an advocate; our students help with both.

How has your experience changed during the COVID-19 pandemic?

I think the work we do at DOCS has become that much more important, all while ensuring safety for staff and students first. I am impressed by our ability to adapt and our patients’ ability to adapt. Embracing telemedicine, new protocols, and shift management has been a great part of the learning, but also understanding how to scale the patient/physician experience through technology has been phenomenal to be a part of and inspiring as we think about the future of medicine and our supply/demand issues for top talented doctors and nurses.

Dr. Nayyar with medical students at CHS clinic